Auckland, New Zealand – Prime Minister (PM) Jeremiah Manele and his delegation got the opportunity to visit Port of Auckland on Tuesday.
He was accompanied by the Member of Parliament (MP) for West Kwaio Hon. Claudius Tei’ifi, Solomon Islands High Commissioner to New Zealand H.E. Ishmael Avui, and senior officials from the Office of the Prime Minister and Cabinet (OPMC) and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade (MFAET).
The delegation met with Port of Auckland Chief Executive Roger Gray, who briefed them on the Port’s operations and strategic development plans, including the 2030 Masterplan.
This plan features major projects such as a new cruise terminal, aimed at strengthening Auckland’s position as a key tourism gateway in the South Pacific region.
Owned by Auckland Council, the Port of Auckland is New Zealand’s largest container port and a vital hub for cargo, logistics, and supply chain services.
It has a history spanning more than 180 years and employs approximately 4,800 people across multiple business units.
In addition to container shipping, the Port provides critical services including vehicle imports, bulk logistics, and marine bunkering.
PM Manele expressed particular interest in the fisheries and maritime sectors, highlighting the Bina Harbour project in Malaita Province as a priority for Solomon Islands’ national economic development.
Discussions focused on exploring opportunities to enhance partnerships with experienced entities like the Port of Auckland, as Solomon Islands seeks development partners to advance its maritime infrastructure and capacity.
He also emphasised the importance of training programs and capacity building as essential for strengthening operational safety and efficiency, particularly for Solomon Ports.
Port of Auckland Chief Executive Roger Gray affirmed the Port’s commitment to knowledge sharing and sustainable operational practices.
As part of its environmental stewardship, the Port manages 35 hectares of land at Manukau Harbour, where a bird sanctuary is being developed. This initiative reflects the Port’s broader focus on community engagement and sponsorships, prioritising local environmental conservation alongside its core business activities.
The Port is also actively pursuing environmental initiatives, including efforts to decarbonise its operations despite ongoing technical challenges.
Prime Minister Manele said, “Our key priorities for partnerships include training programs. We look forward to working closely with the Port of Auckland, and our diplomatic representatives will ensure the right stakeholders are engaged to build strong, sustainable relationships.”
This visit reflects the ongoing commitment between the Solomon Islands and New Zealand to deepen cooperation in trade, capacity building, and sustainable development for the mutual benefit of both countries.
– OPMC
